T.J. Hensick appears destined to leave the AHL in favor of Europe according to a report from Peoria Rivermen beat writer Dave Eminian. Hensick, one of the Rivermen's best players the last few seasons, is set to be an unrestricted free agent and it looks like his time in the St. Louis organization is about to end.

Hensick's departure is just a rumor at this stage, but all signs indicate he won't receive a new contract from the Blues and will head for Sweden.

Hensick has been a stud at the AHL level, but he has failed to make the most of his chances at the NHL level. Hensick notched 68 points in the AHL last year. In 2011-12 he contributed 70 points and in 2010-11 he added 69. The Blues called him up to the NHL during the 2010-11 season, but Hensick failed to make a strong impression over the course of 13 games.

Despite strong AHL numbers the Blues never had much faith in Hensick. There were countless opportunities for the Blues to call on Hensick over the past two years, but instead they went with guys like Adam Cracknell, Andrew Murray and Evgeny Grachev. With the Blues overflowing with young talent such as Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz along with intriguing prospects such as Dmitrij Jaskin and Ty Rattie lurking in the distance, there's simply no room for Hensick in the Blues' long-term plans.